Organising my way into 2011

I am starting early with my new year's resolution, to have a beautifully organised home for 2011. I decided to give myself a new book for Christmas called Pretty Neat. I have found it quite inspirational and it has been just the motivation needed to complete my belated spring clean.
I have purchased new inserts for my bathroom drawers which have revolutionised my morning routine.

De cluttered my wardrobe,

and set up an area to receive all our bits as they enter our kitchen. I hope you are enjoying your time after the Christmas rush to do the things you enjoy.

images via deliciously organised

I'm dreaming of ...

a white Christmas. With all the colour in Cottle House at the moment a simple white Christmas at home is the way to go I think. I may spray some branches white like the one's Angela has done from Wicker and Stitch. Perhaps coat a few pine cones while I'm at it.

Hang a few simple decorations from them like these as seen on Focal Point

I thought I'd use hessian to cover my presents and do a runner down my table. I will no doubt toss a few more ideas around as the options are endless, and Christmas does only come once a year. Enjoy a creative weekend x

Elegance personified

The perfect outfit for weather like ours today. Although in the southern hemisphere a little cashmere cardi would not have gone astray today. Both images are from one of my favourite blogs this is glamorous. Classic style whether in fashion or interiors always stands head and shoulders above the fads in my opinion.

House guests

I have spent today making beds and giving our guest bedrooms a bit of attention. We have weekend house guests and I enjoy making sure they feel treated. Some of the most important elements in a guest room I feel are;

a comfortable bed,

good quality pure cotton linen,

pillows to sink into and feel pampered, ( a choice is handy)

an electric blanket for chilly nights,

fresh flowers,

and somewhere to put your luggage, and preferably hang clothes.

Enjoy your weekend, I'm off in search of some garden flowers.

images via Cote de texas, Phoebe Howard and Nathan Egan

Garden snap shots

A few pics from our shopping day last Saturday. The old corrugated iron stables behind the homestead looked a picture against a stunning blue sky.

The parterre is starting to take shape. Cat mint is the only thing thriving here at the moment though as our English box are still tiny and the French lavender was killed by our winter frosts. We are still to decide on the roses to go in the central beds, any suggestions would be greatly welcomed.

Our Plane trees have been pollarded in the courtyard and are waiting for their leaves. Still in shock I fear!

A view to the lake and relaxing spot to sit if one ever had time. This week has been a busy one with photography for our Christmas catalogue, transporting all stock back to Cottle House and packing our customers orders. The feedback has been great and we have loved all the thank you letters and comments from appreciative clients. It makes all the hard work worth while.

Blooms of colour

My garden is brimming with good health after some lovely spring rain. Never before have I seen so many beautiful blooms of these pink rhododendrons.

images via me, ada and darcy

Inspiration to work

Whether writing a lovely note or sitting at your computer, one could only feel absolute bliss in this lovely space. From the pretty colour palette combined with the freshness of white, the trellis designs on cushion, wallpaper and screen to the lovely fresh flowers, I could be so happy here.

An inspiration board is always a great idea for collecting and sifting through concepts.

Be creative and design a beautiful space where you can enjoy spending time in.

images via; vt interiors, pink wallpaper, unknown, shelter, soul pretty

A study of colour

Create a cosy nook to work

add a splash of aqua,

Who wouldn't enjoy putting their head down to work in these beautiful spaces?

images via surroundings, apartment therapy, unknown, this is glamorous

Clock watching

This week I am clock watching as my internet access in on slow speed after overuse this month. It is so hard to fit it all in before 12 noon . Enjoy your weekend!

Spot the difference

The return of leopard print is music to my ears. No need to overdo it but just a touch adds glamour and elegance to a classically styled room.

this is glamorous, elle decor, alice lane, nate berkus, this is glamorous

Green inspiration

There is something so refreshing about the colour green. It goes with nearly every colour but is particularly gorgeous when teamed with white. I have been struggling with computer issues all week and am looking forward to some time in the fresh air. Have a lovely weekend.

Refreshing colour!

Some where over the past few years I seem to have become lost in a sea of beige. How lovely it is to see pretty pastel colours returning.

Enjoy your weekend and the spring rain!

images via 1. 2 and 3. Designers Guild, 4. pve

Spring Linen

I am gradually working my way through my spring cleaning but find it easier to be inspired when I look at lovely images like these. I once tried colour coding all my sheets with gingham ribbons like the 1st picture but unfortunately the novelty wore off after the 1st wash.

Spring cleaning fever

A place for everything and everything in its place

I seem to have been hit by a cleaning/organizing frenzy and am blaming it on the weather. Or perhaps it is more a case of necessity. Our home has lots of storage cupboards and storage rooms which is normally a lovely thing to have. Unfortunately it is easy to fall into the trap of hoarding too many things that should have been sent to charity years ago.

I recently read a blog on Acanthus and acorn about whether you are a Felix or an Oscar (from The odd couple). Felix was the fastidiously organized one and Oscar was the slob. I seem to vacillate between these two. While aspiring to be a Felix, I have Oscar lapses and in the busyness of life are prone to take short cuts when it comes to the organization in my home.

Inspired by this article I have made a plan to work through each room in my home and do some serious culling. Acanthus and acorn recommends the following; "pretend a move is imminent". With this as my game plan I have a busy weekend ahead of me. I hope you enjoy yours! P.S. Are you a Felix or an Oscar???

images via 1. acanthus and acorn, 2. cote de texas, 3. habitually chic- Meg braff. 4 and 5 unknown.